News
passivehouse+ | Issue 17
Idealcombi launches next generation casement windows
Idealcombi has launched its next generation of casement windows and doors, Frame IC and Nation IC. This new range now includes the use of PUR (polyurethane) insulation as a thermal break, chosen for its insulating value, durability and easy maintenance. Frame IC and Nation IC are designed to offer a traditional casement style window but with modern levels of performance. By incorporating PUR, Idealcombi has brought the U-value of a traditional triple-glazed casement window down to as low as 0.77, the company said.
Idealcombi first used PUR in the Futura+ product series back in 2010 and the company reported that it was an immediate success in the construction industry. Following on from this success Idealcombi has now evolved the traditional casement window to also benefit from PUR. Frame IC and National IC were launched last year in Denmark and are now ready for the British markets. They can be used for all build types including new build houses, passive houses, extensions, conversions, large scale residential and commercial building projects.
The units are available in both double and triple-glazed units, and feature FSC-certified heartwood, low-e glazing, and a powder coated aluminium finish. Idealcombi Frame IC and Nation IC are available to order now for the UK market with Secured-by-Design tests and certifications currently being carried out and expected to be complete in the near future. (Above) A section view of Idealcombi’s Frame IC (left) and Nation IC (right) low energy casement window and doors.
Recoup wastewater heat recovery system at Lincoln eco-development The system has recently been installed at ‘The Edge’ in Lincoln, a unique residential development of multi award-winning ecohousing, designed and built by Gusto Homes. The environmental performance of each property is achieved firstly by an exceptionally high thermal mass structure which is super insulated, triple-glazed and virtually airtight. Last month saw Recoup’s market-leading waste water heat recovery system for showers (WWHRS), the Recoup Pipe+ HE, receive a Highly Commended accolade at the Housebuilder Product Awards 2016. The Pipe+ HE, which is used by housebuilders across the UK as a costeffective solution to aid Part L compliance, can recover as much as 67% of the heat energy that flows down the drain with each shower. It has no moving or mechanical parts, requires no planned maintenance, and needs no end-user interaction. It is also suitable for larger commercial and public buildings.
Energy consumption is further reduced by the addition of solar PV panels, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, low energy appliances and lighting, and waste water heat recovery for showers via the Recoup Pipe+ HE. With the addition of WWHRS, it is estimated that the combined energy requirements for these spacious three and and four-bedroom Gusto eco homes costs as little as £1 per day. The result is a shower system that can return over 60% of the heat energy that would normally just flow down the drain. This in turn extends the capacity of the hot water cylinder, and ensures that grid-derived
energy requirements are kept to a minimum. Recoup Pipe+ HE is a “fit and forget” technology that effectively extracts waste heat energy from used shower water in order to pre-heat the incoming cold water feed. And in modern households, where showering can consume up to 90% of generated hot water, the savings can be significant. In passive houses, hot water generation is invariably the largest energy drain because space heating demand is so low, but installing a WWHRS system offers passive house designers the opportunity to drastically cut hot water demand too, according to Recoup. For more information see www.recoupenergysolutions.co.uk. (Above left) Pictured at the Housebuilder Product Awards are (l-r) Housebuilder publisher Ben Roskrow, Recoup’s Ian Steward & Kieron Dudley, with awards host Reverend Richard Coles